Barry Holmes

Barry Holmes died on 6 June 2019 after a long illness. He was sixty years old.

The son of Chris and Rose Holmes of Pontshill near Ross-on-Wye, Barry attended Ross-on-Wye Grammar School before entering accountancy. He worked for several of the county's largest accountancy firms before eventually establishing his own business in Gloucester.

In 1979, Barry joined Cinderford RFC after Bob Beavis, then club chairman and a friend of his father, persuaded him to take up the position of treasurer. He would hold that post for forty years, working tirelessly for the club until the end of his life. While continuing to play football for Weston Under Penyard FC for several years, Barry retired from what the club called "the round ball game" and quickly became an enthusiastic rugby supporter who occasionally turned out for the veterans team.

When rugby union became professional, the club credited Barry as a prime mover in Cinderford's progression through the league system. Along with club president Peter Bell, he was described as instrumental in the club's drive into the third tier of English rugby. Barry knew his way around the rugby world and became a well-known and popular figure in the National Leagues. He also served on the National Clubs Association Committee for a time.

According to the club, Barry was good company. Although his wit could be caustic when necessary, he was more often charming, droll, mischievous and generous. People took to him easily.

Barry was a father of four.